“Try. In the morning wait for the escort to arrive, then you’ll meet the king and queen.”
“You won’t take me?” I was ashamed at the tremble in my voice, ashamed there was a strange, twisted piece of me that took a bit of comfort in the familiarity of Emi Nightlark.
“I am to see to your brother and the others.” She hesitated. “Would you like me to return?”
“No. I hope you are sincere and keep those I love safe.”
“You’ve no reason to trust me, or any of us, but I hope you give us the chance to try.”
Without another word, Emi strode back down the corridor, unbuckling her vambraces and a few tight braids in her hair as she went, leaving me with the dreaded weight of loneliness.
15
Roark
Emi sat with her backto me, her pale hair free and loose down her back. She was a woman who appeared harmless, dainty even. I knew better and stiffened when she caught sight of me in her mirror.
“Roark. Always lurking in the doorway.” She spun around on the stool, the sharp blue of her eyes narrowed into icy slits. “Afraid to come closer?”
I waved my hand.Always.Did you see the melder to her chamber?
“I did, along with the other crafters to theirs.”
Good.I hesitated. I apologize for Skalfirth.
A shadow crossed Emi’s face. “You mean when you commanded me to break a man I knew? Even though you know why I vowed never to do such things with my craft again?”
Gods, I was a piece of shit. What was there to say? Emi was the only piece of my home clan I cared to keep. We had trust, yes, but in a way I’d broken a piece of it.
I will never ask it again. We needed the craft to take hold.
“I know, Roark. But next time find a way to leave me out of it.”
Did it hurt you?
“Physically?” She stretched her neck and rolled her shoulders. “A little. My heart? Yes, it shattered. I actually like Darkwin. He was one of the few decent recruits who did not think I was only meant for his bed.”
I offered a small nod of understanding.Will you think I am an absolute ass if I ask another favor of you?
“Oh, likely, but I do love having debts between us.” She strode across the room, pausing a step away.
I held up the twine-wrapped sheets of parchment Prince Thane and I had been writing on since the first winter I was found at the gates.
Emi flipped through some. “What am I to do with these?”
For the melder.
“Oh, really.” A bit of pink stained her cheeks.
Don’t.You’re doing it again.
“I didn’t say anything.”
She ought to know what I am saying. It means nothing more.
Emi clicked her tongue and propped her chin onto the heel of her hand. “Strange, but you cared little if Melder Fadey understood you.”
I frowned.Fadey was an ass.
